Explore the latest economic insights with Aya Yoshioka in this episode of 7 Market Movers. From strong job growth and easing inflation to fiscal policy impacts and bond market trends—get the key takeaways shaping markets in 2025.

Discover why market volatility isn't unprecedented and how history offers valuable lessons for investors. Learn why disciplined, long-term strategies outperform market timing and how quality investments rebound over time.

By Dom DiFurio  Domenico Fornas // Shutterstock 

Written by: Ben Popken With interest rates at record highs and inflation eating away at investment returns, alternative investments have taken on a new luster for the richest of the rich.

In this episode of “Investment Management Foundations,” Wealth Enhancement Senior Portfolio Manager Ayako Yoshioka takes a look at persistent inflation and explains how it’s changed year over year.

Markets pulled back in April 2024 amid sticky inflation and shifting rate expectations. Explore key economic data, sector performance, and what it means for investors.

Along with investment market volatility, high inflation has recently been a persistent concern for investors. In March 2023, The Federal Reserve added fuel to that fire by signaling its readiness to ramp up interest rates in response to a string of red-hot economic reports.

Many retirees depend on pensions to fund their retirement, and many employers still offer Defined Benefit pension plans. At retirement, Defined Benefit Plan participants typically have the option to receive their pension as a lump sum (single) payment or in the form of annuity payments.

The LGBTQ+ community has seen significant gains over the last few years, particularly with marriage equality and workplace discrimination cases decided favorably by the Supreme Court. Yet, the community has less financial security than the general population.

As the weather heats up, there’s one other unfortunate thing that also heats up: road construction. With $680 million slated to be spent on road and bridge projects throughout Iowa in 2017, it’s likely that you will experience some roadblocks when travelling throughout the state.